Vietnam orders ships to return to port as tropical storm approaches

Vietnam ordered ships to return to port and prepared evacuation plans in northern provinces which are more likely to be affected by floods. This development comes as the tropical storm 'Son Tinh' is expected to reach the land later on Wednesday, July 18.

Son Tinh hit parts of the Philippines earlier this week, and reached wind speeds up to 90 km per hour, the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting informed. The storm is expected to produce 350 mm of heavy rain on Vietnam's northern provinces and could cause floods and landslides.

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Namely, the storm will hit the Gulf of Tonkin, which is an area full of vessels, fishing farms and tourist sites, Vietnam Government said. As Reuters reports, Vietnam is susceptible to storms and flooding because of its long coastline. As a result of such disasters, 389 people were killed last year.

During June, 24 people died as heavy rains led to flash floods and landslides in the northern provinces of Lai Chau and Ha Giang.

Finally, according to a safety official at the Nghi Son refinery, which is not far from the storm's path, the facility will not stop operations, but it is bracing for Son Tinh.